Jonathan Redd Senatobia Campus| Sophomore
PATHWAY
GENERAL COLLEGE PROGRAM
FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP
The Gateway Tire Endowed Scholarship
What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
It means a lot for me to receive this Foundation scholarship. I am a full-time student at Northwest and have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout the year that I have been here. I receive very little financial assistance with paying for my education. Therefore, this scholarship helps with my tuition here at Northwest. Every little bit helps and for that I am so grateful. It means a lot to me that the Foundation Office took notice in the efforts I have applied to my studies and were able to help me by providing me with this scholarship. It is like my hard work is finally paying off and this is just one of the rewards along my journey.
Why did you choose your career pathway?
I am in the General College program as I plan to go into the ministry. I would not be pursuing a degree in Biblical Studies if it was not for God calling me to be a pastor.
Who are some instructors or staff who you’d want to recognize from your time here?
Dr. Harold Johnson, Jr. has helped me with furthering my knowledge in writing fiction pieces. He has been an amazing and uplifting teacher.
Mr. Chris Twilley has always had the best attitude of any teacher I have met at Northwest. He is always smiling, and he has loaned me books that will help me further my knowledge of Christianity.
Mr. Trent Booker helped me understand history better and I learned many things from his class. He also went to Natchez with me for the William Winter Scholar Award. That was an amazing trip.
Ms. Carol Lucius helped me when I first started Northwest. She helped me learn how to write better papers and revise every detail.
president's reflections
Dear Northwest Family,
It’s such an exciting time to be a Ranger! The words “continuing our momentum” come to mind as I reflect on all that has been happening at Northwest over the past few years, and especially throughout 2024. So much has been accomplished for our students and communities, and I am incredibly thankful for the great work our faculty, staff, and administration are doing daily to help achieve our shared vision and goals.
As we come to the close of another outstanding year in the life of our college, I want to highlight a few of the incredible accomplishments from 2024:
• Nine consecutive semesters of enrollment growth.
• 2,263 graduates in 2024, reflecting our commitment to student success.
• Recognition by the Aspen Institute’s College Excellence Program as one of the top 150 institutions out of 1,000+ nationwide.
• Womenʼs Soccer Program: 2024 MACCC/NJCAA Region 23 Champions, with Coach James Beattie named NJCAA Region 23 Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year.
• Volleyball Program: 2024 MACCC Champions.
• Football Program: 2024 MACCC/NJCAA Region 23 Champions, with Head Coach Benjy Parker once again recognized as NJCAA Region 23 Coach of the Year.
• Celebrated the first two sold-out shows at the Center for the Performing Arts, featuring The Temptations and Celtic Woman
• Completion of Phase 1 of the “Investing Today, Impacting Tomorrow” Capital Campaign.
• Progress toward the completion of the Ranger Center—our new career-technical and health science center at the DeSoto Campus, set to open in January 2025.
• The opening of Lamar Hall in Senatobia, which added housing for on-campus students, bringing the total number of on-campus beds to 1,309.
• A record number of student-athletes earning NJCAA All-Academic honors, the most of any school in the conference.
• And much more!
As we approach the holiday season and the end of the year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your continued friendship, support, and investment in our great college. Your contributions make it possible for Northwest to transform the lives of our students and enrich the communities we serve.
If you are able, I encourage you to consider investing in Northwest—whether for the first time or as a continued supporter. There are few endeavors more meaningful than investing in the life of a student. Your partnership helps us sustain and grow our ability to positively impact student lives for years to come.
Thank you for all that you do for Northwest. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful start to the new year!
Vision
Northwest Mississippi Community College transforms our students’ lives, enriches our communities, and strives for excellence in our educational programs and services.
Mission
Northwest Mississippi Community College is an open-access, public, two-year institution primarily serving Benton, Calhoun, DeSoto, Lafayette, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, and Yalobusha counties. NWCC is a learning-centered community providing educational opportunities with quality instruction for students from all walks of life. Our college fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and student success. We strive for continuous improvement, with a standard of excellence in every area of the institution. Our college partners with businesses and industries that seek to grow the economy and the workforce, as well as partners with alumni, friends, and others. Engagement takes place in all communities that the college serves.
Values
ACCOUNTABILITY
INTEGRITY
EXCELLENCE
RESPECT
SERVICE
SUSTAINABILITY
ACCESSIBILITY
POSITIVITY
CREATIVITY
LEADERSHIP
Dr. Michael J. Heindl President, Northwest Mississippi Community College
SANDY GRISHAM EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
Northwest Mississippi Community College’s Audrie Rhoda McCann of Southaven was awarded the Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award at this year’s college-wide Convocation on Aug. 12 at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts on the Senatobia Campus.
“I am very humbled and honored to be chosen as the recipient of the Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award 2024,” said McCann. “Teaching has always been a passion of mine, and this award reaffirms my commitment to fostering an environment where curiosity and learning thrive. I am inspired daily by the enthusiasm and dedication of my students, and it is their growth and success that make this profession so rewarding.”
The award was established by the Social Science Department in 2004 in honor of retired social science instructor Sandy Grisham. Grisham was an instructor who hallmarked excellence in education and instructional innovation with a deep commitment to student learning. It’s both an honor and a symbol of pride to receive the award, which is given to those who go above and beyond with a commitment to innovation in the teaching profession.
This award, originally reserved for academic faculty on the Senatobia campus, has been extended to any instructor on any campus to celebrate excellence in instruction. The award winner receives a cash award from the endowment that was established by the social science department.
Dr. Matthew Domas, Vice President of Instruction said that McCann was chosen for her “infectious enthusiasm” for teaching, helping students, and going above and beyond.
“Her commitment to providing the most current instruction in the classroom, her positivity, leadership, and respect for her students and colleagues are reflective of the values of Northwest Mississippi Community College,” said Dr. Domas. McCann, who teaches and serves as
program director for the Business and Marketing Management Technology program at the DeSoto Campus, tailors projects to real-world trends and always stays up to date on current instruction to prepare students for an “everchanging business world.” She was also instrumental in establishing her program at a second campus, the Concourse in Batesville.
“She is able to connect with her students in a way that fosters student success,” said Dr. Keith Reed, dean of the DeSoto Campus. “I have observed Mrs. McCann mentor students into becoming consummate professionals. Recently, one
of her former students raved about how wonderful Mrs. McCann is and that she keeps in touch with her regularly for advice and mentorship. The student now owns her own business, and much of her success she attributes to Mrs. McCann’s mentorship and guidance.”
McCann received both her graduate and undergraduate degrees from Delta State University in business administration and has taught at Northwest for the past 10 years. Before working in education she had real-life experience in the business world, previously working for companies like Smith & Nephew, Frazier, and Delta State University.
Northwest Mississippi Community College Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award recipient, Audrie McCann (center), is congratulated by Northwest President, Dr. Michael J. Heindl (left), and Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Matthew Domas (right) during Convocation Aug. 12.
Photo by Carly Fox
Story By Sarah Smith | Photos by Carly Fox
around campus
NORTHWEST PRESIDENT’S CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARDS GO TO TWO DEDICATED EMPLOYEES
Story By Sarah Smith | Photos by Carly Fox
Northwest Mississippi Community College announced the 2024 President’s Customer Service Award recipients during the college-wide Convocation on Aug. 12 at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts. These awards are given to one faculty member and one staff member who have gone above and beyond in their service to those on and off campus.
“Upon being nominated by their colleagues for this well-deserved recognition, each of these employees have, and continue to make, significant contributions to Northwest by providing the best service,” said Northwest President, Dr. Michael J. Heindl. “They live out the values of our institution on a daily basis, and for that I am very thankful.”
The President’s Customer Service Award for Staff went to IT Service Delivery Coordinator, Brian Hale of Senatobia, who has selflessly served the college and provided support all over campus. Known as the “go-to-guy” for fixing things, he’s made himself readily available and has embodied the college’s
values in his service for over 10 years.
“During the break at the Convocation I told someone as I look around, I don’t know every single face, but I feel confident I’ve spoken to every single person in the room at some point,”
Hale said. “My job is not a big one among a few people but a small one among all people, and that’s what I love—it’s what keeps me going. I deal with everyone from all over the college in all responsibilities from big to small, students from young to old, and getting to know a little about every person and sharing that interaction is what I love about it so much. I appreciate each and every person’s contribution to what makes our college successful, and for that appreciation to be paid back to me with this award means the world to me.”
Hale received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi in sociology and political science, and a post-graduate certificate in emergency management. Before working at Northwest, Hale served in a variety of roles including intel coordination specialist and as an alderman for the city
of Senatobia.
The President’s Customer Service Award for Faculty went to math instructor Melissa Cannon of Batesville. With over 20 years of experience in the teaching profession, Cannon works tirelessly to help students achieve their goals and find what equation fits in their life. A loyal Ranger, she embodies the mission of the college with positivity.
“I am honored to receive the President's Customer Service Award,” Cannon said. “Northwest is a wonderful place to work, and I am blessed with amazing and talented colleagues who make such a difference in the lives of our students. To be chosen as a representative of this group of fantastic people is an honor that I will always treasure.”
Cannon received her undergraduate education in science at Mississippi State University, and her Master of Science in mathematics from the University of Mississippi. She has worked as a math instructor since 2002. She also serves as the Early College coordinator for Mathematics at Northwest.
President’s Customer Service Award recipients, Brian Hale (left) and Melissa Cannon (right) receive congratulations from Northwest President, Dr. Michael J. Heindl (left), and Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Matthew Domas (right) at Convocation on Aug. 12 at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts.
Photo by Carly Fox
Administrative Updates
Dr. Tonyalle Rush
Northwest Mississippi Community College promoted long-time employee, Dr. Tonyalle Rush of Southaven, from Associate Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management to Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management.
Dr. Rush has completed many achievements including but not limited to various certificate programs, leadership programs, and fellowship programs to further her education. This year Rush finished the Community College Policy Fellowship Program and received TRIO Achiever of the Year.
Dr. Rush’s educational background started at Mississippi State for her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and then she received her EdD from the University of Mississippi, and a graduate certificate in psychology from Western New Mexico University.
Her Northwest career started in the summer of 2009 when she started as a counselor for the CTE and Academic
departments. Since then, she’s worked as Director of Evening Programs at DeSoto Center, and District Director of the Beverly Brewer Stark Career Center, then in November of 2019, she moved into the Associate Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management role. While she served in these roles, she was also an adjunct instructor at the college.
This newest position comes with much excitement for Dr. Rush who said she was shocked and overjoyed by this latest promotion. She said the news came directly from Northwest’s President, Dr. Michael Heindl, who was elated to tell her the news.
“I am truly grateful for this opportunity to serve in this capacity,” Dr. Rush said.
For Dr. Rush, it’s an honor to be able to serve the students of Northwest. Dr. Rush said that she wouldn’t have been able to do it without her team and the support of Northwest’s administration, in particular, she gives credit to Dr. Heindl for his leadership.
“Dr. Tonyalle Rush has been a longtime, effective leader at Northwest and epitomizes what it means to be an ideal team player,” said Heindl. “She has been doing a great job as AVP of Student Services over the last few years, and with a few additional responsibilities, I know she will continue to lead successfully as Vice President.”
Northwest President Michael J. Heindl and Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management Dr. Tonyalle Rush. Photo by Sarah Smith
2024 TRIO Achievers of the Year at the TRIO Southeastern Atlantic Conference (SEAC) in Biloxi, (L-R) TRIO Achiever for Florida, Dr. Juan Chisholm; TRIO Achiever for Mississippi, Dr. Tonyalle Rush; and TRIO Achiever for Georgia, Bernard Young.
Dr. Tonyalle Rush
UNIVERSITY OFFICIALS Visit Campus
Story By Julie Bauer
Photos by Carly Fox & Andrew Dale
The college hosted officials from two of the state’s universities in the fall as representatives from Delta State University visited the main campus Aug. 29 and staff from William Carey University were in Senatobia Sept. 26.
DSU President, Dr. Daniel J. Ennis and his staff met with Northwest’s Executive Council about the partnership between the two institutions. DSU recruiters joined the Fighting Okra mascot in the cafeteria to visit with students before heading to the football tailgate later in the day. Dr. Ennis was given the honor of conducting the coin toss at midfield prior to the Rangers’ game against Pearl River.
William Carey President, Dr. Ben Burnett and his team met with members of the Executive Council before speaking with Phi Theta Kappa students the marching band and student-athletes about the various opportunities available at the university. Later, recruiters set up a tent at the football tailgate to join the festivities, and Dr. Burnett officiated the coin toss for the game against Northeast.
Top: Northwest employees and recent master's graduates Hannah Dickerson (left) and Gracie Perry greet DSU's Fighting Okra mascot during the football tailgate.
Middle: Pathfinder Jason Dowling (left) visits with Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl and DSU President, Dr. Daniel Ennis (right) before the football game Aug. 29.
Bottom: Dr. Heindl speaks with William Carey University President, Dr. Ben Burnett at the William Carey tent during the tailgate Sept. 26 (above). Dr. Burnett officiated the coin toss at midfield prior to kickoff for the game against Northeast (left).
FOUNDATION OFFICE SPREADS CHEER WITH SNACK CART
Story By Julie Bauer
In an effort to demonstrate The Northwest Way—the college’s customer service and appreciation initiative—the Foundation Office last year began providing a snack cart for Northwest employees. What began as a quarterly effort to show appreciation for faculty was expanded this semester to include administration and staff on the DeSoto, Oxford and Senatobia campuses. ‟It was just a small way for us to show appreciation to others that we don’t typically get to see or work with on an everyday basis,” said Gracie Perry, advancement services coordinator. Foundation staff now make the rounds with the snack cart every three months, stopping by offices and offering snacks and drinks. If a faculty or staff member is out of the office or teaching, a snack and a nice note are left on their desk or door.
COLLEGE COMMUNITY PAUSES TO VIEW SOLAR ECLIPSE
Above: Communications staff Carly Fox (left) and Julie Bauer were pleasantly surprised when the snack cart arrived in August.
Left: Director of Union Services Joel Boyles (center) enjoys some goodies from the snack cart with Bookstore staff Angela Capman(left) and Sandra Newson (right).
Cosmetology students took a break from class to head outside and have some fun viewing the eclipse through their official eclipse glasses. Although not in the path of totality, students on the Senatobia campus were able to view the event at midday with 96 percent of the sun obscured.
Photo by Carly Fox
Friends Tenel Walker (left) and Halle Holman climbed on top of a car to get a better view of the near-total solar eclipse that occurred April 8.
Photo by Carly Fox
CONVOCATION CELEBRATES NEW SERVICE INITIATIVE:
The Northwest Way
Story By Sarah Smith | Photos by Carly Fox
Northwest Mississippi Community College celebrated the new academic year with their faculty staff convocation announcing new plans, initiatives and reminding us of our values as a college. At Convocation, the executive director of Accelerate MS Dr. Courtney Taylor, spoke about the upcoming and current challenges facing workforce development which includes various challenges from financial, educational, to support barriers.
Looking at the statistics, Dr. Saylor walked Northwest through issues related to Mississippi workforce.
“Each data point is an opportunity,” said Dr. Taylor.
Dr. Taylor spoke about the important topics facing Mississippians today including those without care for elderly parents, grandparents, or children, a lack of transportation or a lack of viable jobs where they’re currently located. She said that there were important things community colleges were doing to combat these issues including their adult education programs, CTE programs, workforce development programs all of which are contributing to a productive workforce in America.
“Every person has an impact in workforce development,” said Dr. Taylor.
In addition to every person having an impact in workforce development, they also have an influence in the lives of employees, students and those visiting our campus which is what Executive Director of Institutional Advancement, Patti Gordon, spoke about in Northwest’s new service initiative, The Northwest Way.
The Northwest Way is an exceptional service initiative with the goal of unifying the campus in kindness, excellent service and lending a helping hand across the board. The initiative
Dr.
Left: Patti Gordon, Northwest's executive director of Institutional Advancement, presents Northwest's new service initiative “The Northwest Way” which encourages excellence in service and spirit.
Top: Northwest President Dr. Michael Heindl welcomes everyone to the 2024 Employee Convocation.
Above:
Courtney Taylor of AccelerateMS presents issues facing Mississippi's workforce.
focuses on five sets of core principles: positive attitude and enthusiasm, professionalism and integrity, respect and empathy, responsiveness and reliability, and collaboration and teamwork. “W.A.Y.” stands for “we appreciate you,”reminding everyone whether they’re students, staff or community members, that we appreciate them.
‟Exceptional service is at the heart of every successful organization" said Gordon. ‟The Northwest Way is about exceeding expectations and leaving a lasting postive impression.
Dr. Tonyalle Rush, vice president for Student Services and Enrollment Management, gave an update on the college's nine straight semesters of enrollment growth and implementation of the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan. Included in the plan are initiatives to increase various degree-seeking groups, including direct from high school freshmen, dual enrolled students, adult learners and high school equivalency graduates. Goals for student success include decreasing the number of students on academic probation, improving the fall-to-fall retention rate, and increasing the percentage of black, degree-seeking students earning credit in college-level math.
Dr. Tonyalle Rush, Vice President of Student Service and Enrollment Management, gave the update to the Strategic Enrollment Plan where they announced that enrollment was up for another semester.
Northwest President Dr. Michael Heindl, with 2023-2024 Northwest ACUE recipients (L-R) Kristin Davis, Leelee Haraway, Melissa Evans, Angel Nickens, Scott Mounger, Matt Johnson, Brad Farrow, Brittany Smith, James Sims, Patricia Lester, Maya Berry, Robert McPherson, Phillip Correro, Fisher Fleming Hicks, Chris Twilley, Dr. Melissa Wright, Dr. Amy Stewart, Regan Sellers, and Dr. Matthew Domas.
Above: Dr. Michael Heindl (left) with Northwest Employees of the Month throughout the year: (L-R) Anna Lynch, Brian Hale, Kendrick Mays, Stephanie Bolton, Brian Oakley, Brian Lentz, Amanda Arman, Courtney Hicks, Steven Bennett, Blitz Sandridge, Dr. Angela Dortch, Michaela Myhre, with Dr. Tonyalle Rush, Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management, and Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Matthew Domas.
Scholarship SOCIAL
With a theme of “Building Scholars through Scholarships”, the 27th Annual Foundation Scholarship Social was held in September and celebrated an important connection—the bond between generous donors and Northwest’s remarkable students. The Foundation welcomed 165 donors and 181 students to the traditional event and recognized life-changing opportunities made possible by our committed supporters.
The audience was inspired by a video that featured several scholarship recipients expressing their gratitude and how donor support is making a difference in their lives.
Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement, shared information on the Foundation’s endowment, which has grown to $15,664,661, with 422 named endowments making up this total. For the 2024-25 academic year, 639 scholarships were awarded for a total of $654,950. “I love that year after year scholarship sponsors come to campus to meet the students that are receiving their named scholarships. Not only have they been generous financially to fund scholarships, but are genuinely interested in getting to know their scholarship recipient”, said Gordon.
Gordon shared an example of a donor who consistently contributes to their endowed scholarship and their commitment extends even further by establishing an estate gift to grow the endowment after they are gone. This ensures lasting impact for future generations. When a donor includes Northwest in their planned giving, they become a member of The Legacy Society.
Donors and students had the opportunity to have pictures made to commemorate the day, while enjoying refreshments during the reception.
Story By Sarah Smith
Photos by Sarah Smith & Carly Fox
Pat Dhority, Scholarship donor, poses with Payton Abston, recipient of the Larry Dhority Endowed Scholarship.
Donor Barry Bouchilion with students and recipients of the A.W. and LaNelle S. Bouchillon Endowed Scholarship (L-R) Joshua Algee, Chandler Drummond, Alysse Thomas, Jack Clayton, Samuel Brooks.
Sophomore Katy Kendell Ware signed the Steinway with her scholarship donor, Kenda Blount.
Aubrey Triplett, Northwest Piano Instructor, entertaining guests on the historial Steinway.
Student volunteers receiving Foundation scholarships help at the annual Scholarship Social.
Students and donors socialize during the reception of the Scholarship Social.
Colonel Charles Haynes, MS Highway Patrol Director and DeSoto County Sheriff Thomas Tuggle , visit with recipients of the DeSoto County Fallen Hero Scholarships.
2024 - 2025 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED
$654,950
WAS AWARDED IN FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS FOR 2024-25 ACADEMIC YEAR
639
TOTAL NUMBER OF SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED FOR 2024-25 ACADEMIC YEAR
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED IN THE 11 COUNTIES NORTHWEST SERVES
$5,190,260 AMOUNT OF SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED OVER THE LAST 10 YEARS
Each year, the Foundation scholarship selection committee meets to award endowed and annual scholarships to students coming to Northwest. A total of 639 scholarships were awarded for the 2024-25 academic year— 446 to new students and 193 to returning students, with funds totaling $654,950. Scholarship recipients come to campus each year to sign their award letters and are given information about the scholarship they are receiving. Over the last 10 years, the Foundation has awarded $5,190,260 in scholarships to qualifying students from around the state.
Investing Today, Impacting Tomorrow
A Campaign for Northwest Mississippi Community College
As we continue in Phase 2 of the Investing Today, Impacting Tomorrow Capital Campaign, there remains significant opportunity to support projects that are important to our college. Our overarching vision is to rally support for these initiatives, affording others the chance to take part in the momentum we have generated. We are excited to share information about two vital projects that are in process now!
THE INDOOR ATHLETIC TRAINING FACILITY
Northwest is developing a state-of-the-art indoor athletic training facility that will be nearly the size of a complete football field. This facility will be used by various teams during inclement weather, ensuring that practice schedules remain uninterrupted. The project also includes a dedicated practice area for the National Championship Cheer and National Championship Dance teams, along with essential amenities such as locker rooms, coaches’ offices, and an athletic training facility for female athletes.
Currently, Athletico operates inside the Football Field House for all athletic training for student-athletes. By creating a separate space for female athletes, the college aims to enhance their recovery time after practices and games, streamlining their rehabilitation and preparation.
This development reflects Northwest’s commitment to
Capital Campaign Celebration
JUNE 5, 2025
ENHANCEMENTS TO THE NORTHWEST FARM
At the Lawrence “Bud” Young Arena, Northwest has made significant enhancements to support and advance its rodeo program. These upgrades include the installation of rain protection siding, event fencing, and cattle return fencing, ensuring both participants and livestock are well-managed and safe during events. Additionally, the college has introduced decorative fence wraps and new bucking chutes, improving both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the arena.
Future plans are even more ambitious, with the college preparing to create an outdoor arena, build a new barn, and develop a facility that includes new classroom space. These improvements will not only enhance the experience for rodeo athletes but also provide expanded educational resources for students, furthering Northwest’s commitment to advancing the sport and supporting its community of student-athletes.
Please join us for a celebration of the success of Northwest’s first-ever capital campaign. We invite all donors who have contributed to this campaign to come and be honored as we unveil the Investing Today, Impacting Tomorrow Donor Wall, which will be located in the David M. Haraway Conference Center.
Decorative fence wraps and chute improvements at the Lawrence “Bud” Young Arena. Photos by Carly Fox
THE GAMEDAY EXPERIENCE
Silent Auction Winners Enjoy the Experience of Being Football VIPs
The Ranger Gameday Experience provided inside access to the football an cheer teams to lead the Kick-Off Coin Toss, sideline passes, and box seating at the college’s Multipurpose Building.
This year’s winner was the Benjamin Hamilton family who enjoyed cheering on the team through the win over East Mississippi on Sept. 14. His daughter enjoyed talking with cheerleaders who showed her a few stunts.
The Gameday Experience will be auctioned off again at this year’s Northwest Soiree on March 29, 2025.
Above: Northwest Cheerleaders, Kaitlyn Hicks and Katy Kendall Ware, hold up Marlee Hamiliton in a stunt.
Left: Jack Shows, Garren Hudson, Benjamin Hamilton, Marlee Hamilton, and Northwest President Dr. Michael Heindl.
Story By Sarah Smith | Photos by Sarah Smith and Carly Fox
Northwest Game Day Experience winners from (L-R) Garren Hudson, Benjamin Hamilton, Anita Hudson, Diane Hudson, Barry Hudson, Jack Shows, and in front Marlee Hamilton.
The Parker Pickle Choral Library
LOCATED IN THE HEINDL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Mr. Parker Pickle made a naming opportunity donation for one of the two music libraries located in The Heindl Center for the Performing Arts - The Parker Pickle Choral Library.
Pickle is a 1974 Northwest Alumnus and served as a class officer while at the college. He states that his two years at Northwest were priceless and he still has many friends today that he met while living on campus. His two years at Northwest paved the way for him to succeed in his classes at Ole Miss where he earned his bachelor’s degree in political science in 1976.
Pickle started his career in the DeSoto County Tax Assessors Office in 1980 and served as an appraiser. He ran for, and was elected as the DeSoto County Tax Assessor in 1991; the third largest taxing district in State of Mississippi. He was elected for seven consecutive terms, spanning 28 years and retired in 2019.
Pickle currently lives in Hernando and has lived in a historic home on Elm Street for more than 40 years. He has a lifelong love of gardening that comes from his rural upbringing on a dairy farm near Love, Mississippi. He was the youngest of 8 children. He has cultivated an immense loyalty to his home and garden, and is wellknown and respected by many residents of DeSoto County. He also enjoys cooking and is the perfect host for entertaining friends from all over.
Pickle has a passion for music and is a frequent attendee at The Heindl Center. He enjoys listening to a wide variety of genres from opera to rock. He has an extensive music collection, with a vinyl collection dating back over 50 years. Pickle is proud and happy that Northwest has the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts, expressing his awareness that it is a state-of-the-art facility and rivals any place he has ever attended. He takes pride in supporting the Heindl Center and is committed in promoting its success.
Leaving a LEGACY
As part of the Investing Today, Impacting Tomorrow campaign, the Foundation Office will be contacting individuals concerning estate gifts. Supporters of Northwest can choose to leave specific assets, a stated amount or a certain percentage of their estate to Northwest. Estate gifts help build financial support for future student scholarships, academic programs or capital initiatives. Life insurance policies can also be a gift by listing the Northwest Foundation as the beneficiary. The Foundation has established The Northwest Legacy Society, which recognizes individuals who have made commitments to Northwest through planned gifts. If we have written documentation of your planned gift, your name is included in our Legacy Society.
3 BENEFITS OF PLANNED GIVING FOR DONORS
1. Donors can create a legacy for themselves or their families.
2. Planned gifts may offer tax savings for donors or their heirs.
3 Planned giving donors can determine how their gifts are spent.
3 BENEFITS OF PLANNED GIVING FOR NORTHWEST
1. Planned gifts secure Northwest’s future by providing a promise of future funding.
2. Leaving a legacy gift can inspire others to do the same, ensuring Northwest’s future growth and success.
3 A legacy gift allows your philanthropic generosity to continue for perpetuity, benefiting future generations of Northwest students.
Parker Pickle of Hernando, class of 1974 and Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement.
Photo by Sarah Smith
Scholarship Endowment CEREMONY
Six new endowments were honored at the traditional Scholarship Endowment Ceremony: The Glenn Triplett Jr. Endowed Scholarship, The C. Gaines Baker Family Endowed Scholarship, The DeSoto Rifle and Pistol Club Endowed Scholarship, The Coach Bill Oakley and Family Endowed Scholarship, The James E. “Jimmy” Woods Endowed Scholarship, and The Charlie and Laura Reed Endowed Scholarship. Pictured (L-R): J. Gary Kornegay, Foundation Board Treasurer, Fred Carlisle, Foundation Board President, Jeff Triplett, C. Gaines Baker, Jimmie Neal, Gloria Franks Smith, Jimmy Woods, John Reed, Clifton Reed, Dr. Michael J. Heindl, NWCC President
The Northwest Foundation along with Foundation Board of Directors honored six new scholarship endowments at the Scholarship Endowment Ceremony on August 20.
Scholarships play a pivotal role in shaping the future of hardworking students. Videos played at the Scholarship Ceremony showcased the lives of those being honored by the endowment.
Through the Northwest Mississippi Community College Foundation, individuals are able to establish scholarships that will help students continue their educational pursuits, as well as give honor to special people in their lives. Many times, students need help paying tuition, buying books, or coming up with extra expenses that can occur when going to college. This can apply to students just out of high school, but also to adults who realize that they must have career technical training or an academic education in order to support their families. Scholarships not only provide financial assistance, but also serve as a powerful affirmation of someone’s belief in the potential and dreams of our students.
An endowed scholarship continues to help students for as long as this college exists, and those that the scholarship is named for will forever be remembered. When endowed scholarships are established, the Northwest Foundation endowment continues to grow. As it grows, so does the realization of the hopes and dreams of our students, as well as the legacy of the special people who are honored by the endowment.
Story By Patti Gordon | Photos by Carly Fox
Top: Members of the Foundation Board of Directors: Govenor Ronnie Musgrove, Marty Allison, Kevin Doddridge, Jim Beckett, Pat Dhority, Fred Carlisle, Debbie Perkins, J. Gary Kornegay, Dr. Patsy Sledge, Judge Jimmy McClure, Perrin Caldwell Jr., and Niles Norris
Bottom: Laura Triplett visits with guests.
Pat Dhority and Dr. Patsy Sledge , Foundation Board member
Allie Crick and Meg Crockett — members of the Foundation Team
Susan Beckett and Kalon Oakley enjoy the reception.
Don Randolph enjoys visiting with guests.
Foundation Board President, Fred Carlisle, welcomes guests.
Fred Carlisle welcomes Dr. Ronald Whitehead, friend of the Oakley family and former Jones Junior College President and Governor Ronnie Musgrove.
2+2 SCHOLARSHIP GOLF TOURNAMENT CELEBRATES 20 YEARS
The Heavenly Sunshine team, comprised of Ed Schreiner, Mark Wasson, Curt Spencer, and Trent Adams, won first place at the Northwest Mississippi Community College DeSoto Center and Ole Miss DeSoto 2+2 Scholarship Golf Tournament at Cherokee Valley Golf Course in Olive Branch on Thursday, Sept. 19 which raised approximately $25,000.
This is the 20th anniversary of the 2+2 Scholarship Golf Tournament founded by Mike and Debbie Herrington; which raises money for scholarships for students attending the DeSoto Center’s 2+2 Program. The 2+2 program allows students to obtain their associate degree at Northwest and their bachelor’s degree at the University of Mississippi, all at the DeSoto Center.
The beautiful sunny day was met with
Story By Sarah Smith
eager participants, and a lunch sponsored by: Dr. Dabney J Hamner with Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare. The tournament started at 1 p.m. and went until the late afternoon.
Runners up included BankPlus team comprised of Clay Scott, Michael Milligan, Landon DeStefano, and Bryant Cashion in second place, and 1992 Rangers team which was Chris Plumlee, Jason Robinson, Michael Plumlee and
Shannon Logsdon in third. In special events, David Moore won in the putting contest, Landon DeStefano won for longest drive, and dlosest to the pin went to Brian Walters.
The Presenting Sponsors of this tournament were Cadence Bank and Northcentral Electric Cooperative. Additional supporters of the tournament were Gold Sponsors: Mini Systems, and Renasant Bank; Silver Sponsors: Entergy, Brown Insurance Agency, Johnny Coleman Builders, and SecurTrust Federal Credit Union; Bronze Sponsors: Lipscomb Brothers, Duncan Williams Asset Management, Hollingsworth Paving, Inc., BankPlus, Guaranty Bank, Donnie Chambliss Realty, Specialty Orthopedic Group, and Bolton and Associates Wealth Management Group.
1st Place winners Heavenly Sunshine (L-R) Ed Schreiner, Mark Wasson, Curt Spencer, and Trent Adams. Photo by Northwest Foundation team.
2nd Place winners from Bank Plus are (L-R) Clay Scott, Michael Milligan, Landon DeStefano, and Bryant Cashion.
Honored at the tournament were tournament founders, Mike and Debbie Herrington and past members of the Foundation Team, Sybil Canon and Dolores Wooten.
Dr. Michael J. Heindl and Dr. Ryan Niemeyer; Assistant Provost for Ole Miss regional campuses; represented the partnership of Northwest and Ole Miss while showing apprecation to Mike and Debbie Herrington.
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL VISITS DEVELOPING RANGER CENTER
On September 4, 2024, the Northwest Executive Council alongside Northwest’s director of college construction and maintenance, Mary Ayers, and construction project coordinator, Jeff Barham, met on site to see the progress on the forthcoming Ranger Center at the Northwest DeSoto Center.
This new building will primarily house the Associate Degree Nursing Program (ADN) and the Practical Nursing Program (LPN) as well as CTE and workforce training space, and a regional testing center. With the expansion also comes a new entrance to the campus off of Church Road which increases the college’s visibility and accessibility for students and visitors.
Northwest’s Executive Council (L-R) Dr. Tonyalle Rush, President Dr. Michael Heindl, Angel Nickens, Dr. Keith Reed, Dr. Matthew Domas, Dr. Craig Lafferty, Dr. Andrew Dale, Patti Gordon, Northwest’s director of college maintenance, Mary Ayers, Dwayne Casey, Executive Assistant to the President, construction project coordinator, Jeff Barham, and Jeff Horton, touring the developing Ranger Center on September 4, 2024. Photo by Sarah Smith
A L U M N I TAILGATING
A visit from Ann Hannaford Lamar, Soirée honoree and former MS Supreme Court justice. Alumni enjoy visiting before Homecoming game.
The Alumni Association welcomes Ranger Alumni at each home football game.
Alumni from the Class of 1975 (L-R): Robert Akins, Steve Presley, Kenneth Harrelson, Ruthie Sigler Castle, Wanda Carmichael, Ed Reynolds, and Paul Willett visit before the Northeast game.
Football and cheer alumni return to Ranger Stadium for a fun tailgating experience and a Northwest win!
Jeff Horn, Alumni Board Vice President shares memories with other alumni.
Football alumni Gary Edwards, Robert Akins, and Fred Carlisle talk about the difference from 1975 facilities!
We tailgate rain or shine! Brayden Clifton, Maddie Sanderson, Gracie Slocum Perry, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Meg Crockett, Arty Smith, and Allie Crick enjoy the festivities.
Ranger Football Alumni visit the Football Complex.
BASEBALL REUNIONS
Alumnus, Jack Peel and former Coach Donny Castle
Coach Miles and Coach Castle with 1982-83 Championship team.
Alumni reflect on their unforgettable baseball moments, celebrating their friendships and teamwork that defined their time on the field.
Don Embrey, Steve Kidd, Chris Lindsey, Craig Yancy
2007 World Series Team - From left to right: Craig Dean, Ridge Bass, Timothy Hadaway, Blake Embrey, Chad Kregar, Blake Trusty, Jesse Butler, Charlie Edwards, Chase Ware, Taylor Walker, Brian Leach, Wes Grilliette, Richard Chaney, Mike Ross, Will Britt, Sean Johnson
Members of the 1982-83 Championship Team
Former championship teams reunite on Jim Miles Field the weekend of May 3, 2024. The Rangers hosted the regional playoffs and Coach Mark Carson along with the Northwest Alumni Association, hosted the alumni tailgate.
CHEER REUNION
Cheer alumni gather with Danger and other current cheerleaders before halftime.L-R Aliana Harrist, Caroline Powell, Ainsley Young, Kathleen Callicott Ray, Tina Burcham Smith, Danger, Mimi Vickery Barrett, Angie Whitsell Sutton, Suzanne Reed Woods, Lexie Young, Emily Mann, Trevor Kelly.
Northwest fans cheer for these alumni as they were recognized on the field during halftime.
While on a tour of the new cheer gym, alumni run into their former instructor, Mary Ann Burkhead.
Lauren Carson Carlini (2014), Tina Burcham Smith (1978), Angie Whitsell Sutton (1985), Kathleen Callicott Ray (1970)
ALUMNI
Gatherings
Donna Eddie Bouchillon, Miss. Northwest 1967 and Butch Still, Mr. Northwest 1967
Alumni from 1954-60 met up at the Batesville Cracker Barrel this spring for lunch and lots of memories. Back Row (L-R): Marilyn Taylor, Billy Key, Betty Brower, Jeanette Key, Leone King, Gracie James, Front Row (L-R): Leon Bridges, Jack Adams, Bobby King, Dr. Mac Adams.
Betty Bower visits with Bobby King and Dr. Mac Adams.
Billy Key takes pride in getting this group together as much as possible.
Women’s Soccer Coach, James Beattie, has a great relationship with past players. Eighteen alumni from classes 2012-2022 came back to campus this spring to take on the current women’s soccer team. Alumni played a tough game, but the 2024 Rangers came out on top. Past players were able to tour the new soccer/softball complex and locker rooms.
Coach Allison Burchyett is growing a great volleyball program.Seven alumni came back this fall to compete against the Rangers.
Rodeo alumni return to support former coach as the college renames the Northwest Arena to the Lawrence “Bud” Young Arena.
SENATOR BRENT TAYLOR, NORTHWEST ALUMNUS, VISITS CAMPUS
We had the privilege to have Tennessee State Senator and Northwest Alumnus Brent Taylor visit three of our campuses at Northwest. Senator Taylor is a 1988 graduate of the Funeral Services Technology Program and spoke to our current class of Funeral Service Technology students on the DeSoto Campus. It was so beneficial for them to hear from Senator Taylor, who, along with his wife, Kimberly, purchased several funeral homes in our area and built the largest family owned funeral operation in the Mid-South. While on his visit, Taylor toured the new Ranger Center at DeSoto, had lunch with President Heindl, toured the Senatobia Campus and The Concourse, which is in his hometown of Batesville.
In 1995, Taylor became the youngest person ever elected to the Memphis City Council at age 27. Throughout his career in the funeral business and as a public official, Taylor has been recognized as a trusted conservative leader. Taylor has
remained involved in public service, first filling a vacancy on the Shelby County Commission on an interim basis and then serving on the Shelby County Election Commission for three years. Taylor served as Chairman of the Election Commission until his resignation to run for the State Senate. He was elected to the TN State Senate in 2022. Taylor was elected to the Senate District 31 seat with over 66% of the vote. He serves on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Transportation Committee, and the Government Operations Committee. Taylor has kept his commitment to his constituents by focusing his efforts on fighting violent crime and growing our economy.
Taylor has received many accolades, including the Memphis Business Journal “Top Forty under Forty” Award and was the former President/CEO of Brentwood Funeral Services. Kimberly and Brent Taylor have been married nearly 30 years. The Taylors are parents of two adult children. Gage is an attorney in Dallas, and Molly is an interior architect in Charlotte. The Taylors reside in Eads, TN and are active members of Trinity Baptist Church.
“We are grateful to Senator Taylor for taking the time to return to his alma mater and we take great pride in knowing that his journey began here at Northwest Mississippi Community College”, said Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional Advancement.
Tennessee state senator, Brent Taylor, talks to Funeral Services Technology students
Senator Taylor as Mr. Northwest – DeSoto Center circa 1988.
Senator Taylor visits Senatobia Campus for lunch in the president’s office and campus tour. (L-R) Patti Gordon — Executive Director of institutional advancement, Dr. Keith Reed – Dean of DeSoto Center, Taylor, Dr. Michael J. Heindl – Northwest President.
SYSTEMS, INC.
MARCH 29, 2025 PRESENTED BY
The Northwest Soirée is the college’s premiere fundraising and community recognition event at the Heindl Center for the Performing Arts on the main campus of Northwest in Senatobia. The formal, ticketed event will highlight a performance by Chapel Hart from Poplarville, MS. Made up of three southern belles that have taken the country music industry by storm, Chapel Hart was inducted into the 2021 Class of CMT’s Next Women of Country. They are a world class group whose contagious energy has flourished into a full live band experience. The event will also honor community award recipients who have contributed to the legacy of excellence at Northwest.
The following special awards will be recognized:
The Alumni Professional Achievement Award: Justice Robert P. “Bobby” Chamberlin
The Young Alumni Professional Achievement Award: Dr. Robert Barnes
Outstanding Corporation Award: Panola Partnership
Visit heindlcenter.org to purchase your tickets!
For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, please scan the QR code or contact Patti Gordon at the Northwest Foundation pgordon@northwestms.edu 662-560-1103
The Spirit of Northwest Award: Dr. Edward D. Field
Scan for more details about the Soirée!
Musical Guest: CHAPEL HART
CAROLYN CORRERO RANGER TAILGATE
EXPERIENCE WINNER
The Alumni Office held a prize drawing for all new lifetime memberships purchased this past summer. We saw an increase in memberships and are so thankful for those willing to support alumni programs. Each new membership was entered for a chance to win a tailgating experience in the President’s Box at Ranger Stadium for a game of their choice. This summer’s winner was Carolyn Correro! Carolyn, originally from Senatobia, attended Northwest from 1979 – 1981. Carolyn has supported Northwest in various ways over the years; most recently she supports the Northwest Soirée by donating items for the online auction. We enjoyed tailgating with Carolyn. Its never too late to join the Alumni Association!
aAlwaysRanger
Newsest Lifetime Members
Charlotte Alexander
Bonnie Algee
Jennifer Baumbaugh
Andrew and Deborah Buchanan
Minnie Butts
Carolyn Correro
Jack and Kellie Feigler
Yvon Foster
Andrew and Evie Gregory
Joshua and Jessica Hawkins
LaSheba Hilliard
Peter Joiner
Marcia Kidder
Adrian Porter
Ed Reynolds
Jerad and Susan Schultz
Larry and Paula Sowell
Jeff Walls
Keith and Amy Ware
Lifetime members of the Northwest Alumni Association are among our most loyal alumni and friends. Will you commit to strengthening the Northwest alumni community? Become a bigger part of Ranger Nation by becoming a Lifetime Member
ALUMNA of theYEAR 2024
JULIE CORRERO
Education is the key to all things
Story & Photos By Sarah Smith
“Education is the key to all things,” said Julie Correro, Northwest Mississippi Community College’s 2024 Alumna of the Year.
Correro was honored by the Northwest Alumni Association during the Homecoming Celebration on Oct. 24. Receiving Alumna of the Year was an accolade that Correro hadn’t expected after years of service to the college and then finally retiring in 2023.
“It’s such an honor,” Correro said about receiving Alumna of the Year. “I didn’t think I was worthy.”
Her faith and hard work in the education system hasn’t gone unnoticed throughout her life and career. The Batesville native graduated from South Panola High School before beginning her academic career at Northwest in the summer of 1977. Correro attended Northwest for a year before transferring to the University of Mississippi where in 1980, she received her Bachelor of Education, and in 1983, her Master of Education.
Later, while working at Northwest, she re-enrolled, finishing her associate degree in 2014 after years encouraging her Northwest students to do the same. Correro said that if she was going to encourage students to do it, she should have done it too.
Undoubtedly, Correro was inspired by a family matriarch, her mother. After her father’s untimely death due to lung cancer, her mother, Dr. Doris Dunn Phillips, bootstrapped her way through her own education and taught at the University of Mississippi School of Business until she was 70.
“I grew up on campus at Ole Miss,” Correro said reflecting on her childhood with her mother as a professor there. “My mother said working with college students will keep you young or kill you one.”
One could credit working with students to why she maintains her youthful spirit. For over 20 years she lived out her core belief, and even after her teaching years she has continued to be a vital part of many people’s education, serving in various roles and committees including but not limited to Executive Council, Strategic Planning Committee, SACS/COC Committee, SAP Appeal Committee, Athletic Committee, and she served as a sponsor for Gamma Beta Phi.
At Northwest, Correro started as an adjunct Real Estate instructor but has now taught many subjects including science, swimming, lifesaving and first aid. She became director of the education division in 2002 and served in that capacity for 20 years.
Correro’s motto really rings true, as education has brought her not only her career, and many friendships that she values, but also the love of her life, William Correro, who she met while attending Northwest when he played guitar for the Entertainers.
Together they have two sons, Richard Correro and Phillip William Correro II, a daughter-in-law, Phillip’s wife, Rachel Crenshaw-Correro, and two grandchildren, William Sanders Correro who is currently two, and Richard Wilson Correro, who is currently one.
The Correro family includes (l to r) son Richard (holding one-year-old grandson Richard Wilson), Julie, husband William, daughter-in-law Rachel, and son Phillip (holding two-year-old grandson William Sanders).
JULIE CORRERO
Julie visits with Dr. Don Jones and Gracie Perry (right) at the 2023 Northwest Soirée “Boots and Pearls” held last March. A loyal supporter of the Northwest Foundation, she often volunteers her time during events like the Soirée.
Customer Service Award. “She is often found decorating for campus events, serving on conference committees, holding office in a professional or community organization, preparing food for a reception, putting together travel bags for athletes traveling on a road trip or blowing up balloons for a birthday, graduation or retirement. Julie is always optimistic, creative and goes above and beyond the call of duty in everything she does.”
All her children, including her daughter-in-law, attended Northwest. Before Phillip and Rachel married, Rachel even was Correro’s work-study student at Northwest.
Julie is a proud member of the Correro clan with affectionate and fond memories of all her family, including her in-laws, who have also been vital parts of the Northwest community. Notably Connie Correro, Julie’s sister-in-law, who was named Northwest Alumna of the Year several years ago and was an Entergy engineer, and her other sister-in-law, Carolyn Correro, who served as CEO of Entergy and is also a Northwest alumna.
“William and I are so blessed to live and raise our families here,” Correro said.
A beacon of hope and life of the party, Correro is known to many as the “birthday queen” and regularly delivered balloons around campus for people’s birthdays. Any opportunity that arose for her to help with one’s baby shower, wedding shower, or other celebrations she took on joyously.
Because of her shining example of taking on everything she could, Correro was nominated for the President’s Customer Service Award and she was a winner of the Sandy Grisham Excellence in Teaching Award after receiving nominations from co-workers around campus.
“Julie never says no when she is asked to help with anything,” said Samantha Latham, institutional research reporting specialist, in her nomination for Correro for the President’s
“Mrs. Julie has always been passionate about the important roles she’s played as an instructor, an advisor, and as a community member,” said Latham. “She’s such an inspiring person who grows her relationships in a positive light. Creative, motivating, caring, and supportive are all words that come to mind when thinking about Mrs. Julie.”
Correro said that this honor and every part of being at Northwest has changed her life. Even in retirement, Correro stays involved with the college by coming to events. She said that some of her favorite events are Heindl Center events, sporting events, and the fine arts programs. She keeps up with the college’s calendar and can be spotted at many, if not most, events on campus.
She also fondly remembers all the folks she worked with from her coworkers to her director friends to the legacy of relationships she’s made in her time at Northwest and as a part of the Senatobia community which she’s still active in. She participates in community clubs and organizations like Rotary, is a Tate County Economic Development Council board member, and is a member of the Sycamore Arts Council Board of Directors.
Scan to watch Julie Correro's Interview
Julie congratulates former Foundation Director Sybil Canon on her retirement during a reception held in her honor in 2018. Photo by LaJuan Tallo
Always a Ranger
FROM STUDENT TO STAFF
This is a profile series featured in each issue of Northwest Now about employees who were once students. This is a storytelling opportunity describing why someone came back to Northwest and why they are “Always a Ranger”.
Ebonē Dukes
A fresh start brought Ebone Dukes full circle from FST student to inspiring educator
Story By Sarah Smith | Photo By Carly Fox
Ebonē Dukes, Northwest’s Funeral Service Technology (FST) program director, became a Ranger in 2010, where she started as a student in the Funeral Service Technology program.
Prior to attending Northwest, she was a student at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and said her academic performance hadn’t reflected the type of student she was and always had been. “It was a difficult time, but Northwest gave me a fresh start —a chance to rebuild my confidence, reclaim my abilities, and thrive in a way I hadn’t before,” said Dukes. She was selected Outstanding Student for her major, was vice president of Sigma Phi Sigma, the program’s academic fraternity, and graduated with honors.
DeSoto Center Dean, Dr. Keith Reed served as the FST instructor at the time and took Dukes and a classmate to the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) International Convention in New Orleans. There she was surrounded by funeral service professionals from around the world. Dukes said that it was there she realized the impact she could have in this profession. Ten years later, she was selected to be part of the inaugural class of Emerging Leaders with the NFDA, which Dukes described as a “fullcircle moment” and showcased how shaped she was by the experiences she had in both the program and at the convention. From her time as
a student, Dukes knew she’d eventually like to teach. After a few years in the industry and less than two weeks after she finished her master’s degree, she received the offer from Dr. Reed to become a full-time instructor in August of 2016. “The timing was impeccable, and I couldn't help but feel that it was a sign that I was exactly where I was meant to be,” said Dukes. “I truly believe that God placed me on this path, and being back at Northwest feels like coming full circle—fulfilling a purpose that began years ago when I was a student myself.”
In 2018, the first group of students who started with her graduated. “From the very beginning, we were on this journey together,” said Dukes. “I was hired the same day they started their studies, so we were all figuring things out side by side. Watching them cross that stage filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride.”
In 2021 the first entirely deaf student was accepted into the program. This required some substantial adjustments to guarantee that he got the same education as his peers, according to Dukes.
“With the help of his interpreter, who attended every class alongside him, we were able to provide him with the full experience,” said Dukes. “He not only completed the program on time but also passed his boards and is now dual-licensed, working full-time at a funeral home.”
Dukes said she and her husband welcomed their first child, Emory, in September of 2023. She said she strives in everything she does to keep her Uncle Herb and Emory proud. “There is tremendous pride in knowing that the work we do with our hands can offer families peace and closure, making it all the more important to strive for greatness every step of the way,” said Dukes.
Ebone Dukes is proud to Always be a Ranger.
As a student, Ebonē represented the college at the National Funeral Directors Association International Convention in New Orleans.
2024 Homecoming
Northwest President, Dr. Michael J. Heindl, crowned 2024 Homecoming Queen Allie Reed Greer of Oxford during halftime festivities Homecoming Day, Oct. 24 at Bobby Franklin Field. Greer is a sophomore studying general college. She represents the Senatobia Campus and is a member of the Lady Ranger soccer team.
Homecoming Queen Allie Reed Greer poses with Dr. Heindl and Dr. Rush after receiving her bouquet and crown. Photo by Carly Fox
Members of the 2024 Homecoming Court include (l to r) Anaria Lee (Senatobia Campus), Queen Allison Reed Greer (Senatobia Campus), Ava Rodgers (Oxford Campus), Avery Carter (Oxford Campus), Chyna Garner (Senatobia Campus), Xitlaly Magana (DeSoto Campus), Katelynn Kirkendall (Oxford Campus), Caroline Hamm (Senatobia Campus), Savannah Ferguson (DeSoto Campus), Hannah Woolsey (DeSoto Campus), Rona Gabbie Sharp (Oxford Campus), Sania Liner (Senatobia Campus) and Khalia Marks (Senatobia Campus). Photo by Carly Fox
ALUMNI Celebration
On the day of Homecoming, the Alumni Association held an alumni reception to honor Sports Hall of Fame inductees, Alumna of the Year, and alumni celebrating 50+ years of being at Northwest.
Alumni from the 1960's travel from Oxford –Don Locke, Johnny Still, and Cecil Williams.
Mr. and Mrs. Mike Dottorey celebrate with alumni.
1999 Baseball Teammates Jon Reeder (far right) and Brian Hunsucker (right ceter) join Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Eduardo Peña (far left) and Baseball Head Coach Mark Carson (left center).
(L-R) Charles Barton (1966), Arty Smith (1978) and John Lucado, Jr. (1966) visit during reception.
Teammates reinact winning the state championship and holding the 1972 trophy. L to R: Gary Oakley, Howard Taylor, Wilbert Beard, Derrick Roberson, Kenneth Johnson, Cecil Williams, Eddie Thomas, Al Dockery, Scott Gabbert, Willie Brown.
(L-R) Mickey Johnson, Victor Wyatt (1966), and Sterling Withers (1969) come to celebrate sports Hall of Famer Jerry Beach.
SPORTS HALL of Fame Class 2024 Homecoming
Northwest inducted five additional members to the 2024 Northwest Sports Hall of Fame class on Thursday, Oct. 24, as part of the college's Homecoming ceremonies.
Scan to hear the inductees’ stories
GOLDENCircle Members
Friends reunite after 50 years (L to R) Kaye Tutor Rowell, Debbie Massey Buchanan, Vicki Rodgers, Barbara Barnett Aldridge, Cindy Rials Hale.
Members of the class of 1974 receive Golden Circle medallions during the Homecoming ceremony include (front row, l to r) Nancy Dandridge Patterson, Lynn Sledge Gartman, Ramona Brewer Adams; (back row) Cindy Rials Hale, Steve Hale, and Tommy Rodgers.
Photo by Julie Bauer
Sports Hall of Fame inductees include (l to r) Harley Smith Bumpous – Softball, Jerry Beach – Football, Coach George Smith – Football, Eduardo Peña – Baseball, and Maxine Tucker –Women’s Basketball.
Photo by Julie Bauer
ALUMNAof the Year
ALUMNI BOARD of directors recognition
Northwest President, Dr. Michael Heindl (left) and Patti Gordon (right),executive director of Institutional Advancement present Julie Correro with the traditional Alumna of the Year plaque.
Photo by Julie Bauer
Longtime board members recognized for their service (L-R) Don Randolph – Marshall County Representative, Bonnie Burkes – Secretary/Treasurer, Mike Boren – Tunica County Representative. Photo by Julie Bauer
Faculty and Staff Representatives recognized for their service: Laquita Smith-Parker and Mary Bonds.
Photo by Julie Bauer
Jackie Myrick recognized for her term as president of Alumni Board.
Photo by Julie Bauer
THE Legacy CONTINUES
NEWLY ESTABLISHED SCHOLARSHIPS CONTINUE TO HELP STUDENTS AND BEGIN A NEW LEGACY FOR THOSE BEING HONORED.
The DeSoto Rifle and Pistol Club Endowed Scholarship
The “DeSoto Rifle and Pistol Club Endowed Scholarship” was established by the DeSoto Rifle and Pistol Club’s Board of Directors: Chairman, Jimmie Neal; Director of Activities & Training, Kevin Hutchenson; Director of Membership, Greg Barnes; Director of Operations, Clint Kelley; Director of Finance, Gene Mallett; and Director-at-Large, Chris Simons.
The DeSoto Rifle and Pistol Club is a non-profit club, dedicated to philanthropy, education and safety by building a community of those who are passionate about shooting sports. They have about 900 active members, and about 100 acres of property located in Como. Members can come and go as they please to shoot from sunrise to sunset.
They also participate in a statewide initiative for middle school and high school students that was established by the Department of Wildlife and Recreation, which allows for a shooting sport. They have tournaments across the state in the fall for participating students. Neal, the Club’s Chairman, coaches the Senatobia team.
The requirements for this scholarship is that students must be on a CareerTechnical Education (CTE) pathway, maintain a 2.0 GPA, and are from one of the service district counties.
The requirements of the CTE pathway were important to the board, but particularly Neal, who himself studied a CTE pathway at Northwest after serving in the army in the ‘90s. He said that he thinks CTE students make up a lot of students who are in the area and going to college to study.
Neal has long ties with the college even before his time as a student; his grandparents were residence hall directors at the college and afterwards lived nearby. He said he remembers visiting his grandma and grandpa at Yalobusha Hall.
This endowed scholarship has been in the making for two years. The Club is pleased to announce that the first scholarship will be awarded by the Foundation in 2025.
The Panola County Farm Bureau Agriculture Annual Scholarship
The Panola County Farm Bureau Agriculture Annual Scholarship will benefit a young person from the Panola County district who is going into agriculture.
“We feel it is Farm Bureau’s duty to help our county students who desire to work toward an agriculture degree,” said Jan Davis, membership secretary at Panola County Farm Bureau. “If there are no students in Panola County applying, we would then welcome a student from another county.”
Panola County Farm Bureau was organized in 1921 with 108 stockholder members. Their goal was to assist farmers
in the county by reducing expenses that come with growing and marketing their products. They have been recognized for promoting agriculture through the years. Their goals have remained the same throughout those years: to promote, protect and represent agriculture and their farm families in Panola County.
The Don and Ladine Randolph Endowed Scholarship
Longtime Ranger, Don Randolph, announced he is endowing a scholarship through the Northwest Mississippi Community College Foundation in his and his late wife’s name to support students from Marshall County, where they both grew up and lived for many years.
Don and Ladine (who he affectionally called Dene) met on Gandy Circle in Potts Camp where they grew up just down the street from one another. Their love story wouldn’t circle back to Gandy Circle until many years later. Both Mr. and Mrs. Randolph studied at Northwest, although at separate times, as Mrs. Randolph was three years Mr. Randolph’s elder. “She was robbing the cradle as they say,” Randolph joked.
After years of not seeing one another,
Ladine’s brother Hubert Jr. invited Randolph to meet up with him and his sister. Randolph said he wouldn’t have missed that for anything, and less than two years later they were married. Within one year they had their first child, Blake. Shortly thereafter, they had their daughter, Michele.
Ladine was a cheerleader at Potts Camp High School and came to Northwest after graduating. She decided to enter the workforce before completing her degree. In the 1980s, she returned to Northwest and completed her associate’s degree. Upon graduation, she secured a job in the Mississippi Department of Public Safety as a driver’s license examiner, where she retired after 25 years.
Randolph’s history with Northwest begins when Randolph was practicing for the Mississippi All-Star game at Hinds Community College in the late 1950s. Northwest basketball coach, Bill Oakley, gifted Randolph with a pair of All-Star canvas sneakers. Randolph was so enamored by the generosity of Coach Oakley that he decided to play basketball at Northwest and study there; little did he know that would result in many years at the college.
During his time at the college, he was voted a “preferred” man in 1961. After Northwest, he would transfer to University of Memphis (formerly Memphis State University), where he studied social science and physical education. Afterwards, he got his master’s degree in education administration at the University of Mississippi.
Randolph returned to Northwest to work, serving in various roles including vice president of Student Affairs. After his first career stint at the college, he moved into various roles in education and politics across Marshall County before coming back to Northwest a third time as a member of the Northwest Board of Trustees. Randolph also served many years as the Marshall County representative on the Northwest Alumni Board of Directors.
“I chose the field of education and spent 40 years teaching and supervising children,” Randolph said. “It has been very rewarding for me. I could not
have done this without the influence of individuals surrounding me and teaching me the lessons of life. These lessons will remain in my mind forever.”
Northwest Sports Hall of Fame in 2005 for his excellence as an NJCAA All-American in men’s basketball and two-time All-State selection when he was a Ranger. Not only did he excel as an athlete, but also as an academic student ranking fifth scholastically in his class. In 2011, he became a member of the MACJC Sports Hall of Fame.
the Randolphs would dabble in many hobbies together including photography, cars, writing, and history, which Randolph continues to enjoy to this day.
scholarship was important to him because of what Northwest gave him. He spent many formative years there and, in turn, years influencing other young people at the college. This scholarship will continue to impact students’ lives, which is what he did his entire career. Randolph feels he has come full circle by establishing this scholarship.
“I have enjoyed getting to know Don Randolph and see his dedication to Northwest,” said Patti Gordon, executive director of Institutional
Don and Ladine Randolph
Glenn Triplett Jr.
in 1959, Glenn would not too long later become Director of Bands at Northwest which many could call this his life’s calling. He was a member of the marching and concert bands and participated in theatre productions as well.
• First band directing position at Leakesville High School in Leakesville, MS from 1959-1962
• First stint at Northwest from 19631969
• Director of Bands at Mississippi College from 1969-1976
• Returned to Northwest in 1976-retiring in 1993
Alongside his career, Glenn was a fervent family man married to his wife, Rebecca Ramsey of Jackson. Together they had their son Jeff and his wife, Laura, which would later lead to four granddaughters Madison Grace, Aubrey Anne, Laura Elisabeth and Margaret Elaine, all of which are also musicians.
Glenn’s son Jeff, who now serves as Coordinator of Entertainment Industry Studies, said that he will never forget his parents’ interactions with college students and how many people they helped. Jeff said he suspects there’s many more people that Glenn helped than he or even his mother knew about.
“Band Directors are a unique breed, and that is who my dad was, but his driving force was a desire to help students” Jeff said.
Being a Band Director may have been his calling, but helping people was his passion. Jeff said it showed in all he did, including his teaching style.
“As a band director He was really good at getting expectations across,” Jeff said. “He was good at making students understand by making them feel good about themselves and the musical goals they were accomplishing.”
Jeff said that he feels like he always knew he wanted to help contribute to a scholarship like this, he just hadn’t exactly thought of that until his after his passing which is when the effort was made to start the process to establish this scholarship.
The requirements for this scholarship is that students must be a band student and on a music pathway while maintaining a 2.5 GPA.
The James E. “Jimmy” Woods Endowed Scholarship
Northcentral Electric Cooperative endowed it's fifth scholarship at Northwest. The James E. “Jimmy” Woods Endowed Scholarship is in honor of Jimmy Woods of Byhalia who served his community, state, and country.
“Strong communities don’t exist by accident,” said Bryan Dye, Olive Branch city attorney. “They are the by-product of people of character serving the public good day in day out, year in, year out, for several decades in a row. In that sense, Jimmy Woods is a generational leader whose legal career has transformed this part of North Mississippi.”
Woods was a lawyer, and aside from his private practice, represented three municipalities, two school districts, and Northcentral Electric Cooperative.
His life started with humble roots, born to a farming family in Byhalia where he would graduate from Byhalia High School before going on to attend Mississippi State University, with intentions of becoming a sports coach. During college, Woods’ interests shifted; after graduating from MSU, he went on
to attend the University of Mississippi Law School and graduated in 1966.
After receiving his education, he practiced at Joe Walker’s law firm, who at the time, represented the DeSoto County Board of Supervisors and the Town of Olive Branch. As the years went by and the crisis elevated in the Vietnam War, Woods decided to serve his country by joining the Army Reserve and served in a Judge Advocate General’s (JAG) Unit for six years.
“Every so often, a lawyer comes along who truly advances the profession,” said Chris Latimer, attorney with Mitchell, McNutt, & Sams, P.A. “These individuals take time to mentor young lawyers and teach the practice of law. They represent their clients with the highest degree of expertise and ethics. Judges are delighted to see them enter the courtroom because they know that lawyer is prepared and in control. These lawyers practice a long time and leave a lasting legacy. They are pillars of the profession; they are Lions of the Bar. Jimmy Woods is one of those in every sense.”
Woods was a man of honor, serving Northcentral Electric Cooperative for 50 years when he marked the end of his career. Over those 50 years, people knew him for his passion for sports and his dedication to his community.
“I have always recognized and highly respected the service and credibility that Northcentral has had all these years,” Woods stated at his retirement reception. “It has been a high privilege; I am blessed with a wife that has helped me through the good and stood by me in the bad. She is a big part of these 50 years.”
Jimmy and his wife, Ginga, have been married for 55 years and rooted their family in Olive Branch. They have two children, Jay and Polly, and enjoy keeping up with their two grandsons, Banks and Grady.
“From Jackson to Washington, in courtrooms and in boardrooms, Jimmy has left indelible marks,” said Michael Bellipanni, Northcentral’s director of marketing and business development.
The criteria for this scholarship is that the student who receives it must be a family member of a Northcentral Electric Cooperative member.
James E. “Jimmy” Woods, provided by Northcentral Electric Corporative.
In Memoriam
JAMIE W. HOWELL, SR.
Jamie W. Howell, Sr. of Pope, Mississippi died peacefully in Collierville, Tennessee on May 7, 2024. Mr. Howell was born on March 14,1938 in Sumner, Mississippi to Burtrum Hy Howell and Ollie Baker Howell. As a child, Jamie was reared in Pope, Mississippi as the only boy of six children.
Howell was a natural when it came to athletics. After starring at Pope High School in every sport, he went on to play three sports (basketball, baseball & track) at Northwest Mississippi Junior College (now Northwest Mississippi Community College) in Senatobia, MS where he became an All-American as both a point guard in basketball and a centerfielder in baseball. In 1958, he was drafted to play pro baseball by the Baltimore Orioles but he chose, instead, to further his education and athletics at The University of Mississippi.
Upon his graduation from Ole Miss with a B.S. and a Masters Degree, Major League Baseball again came calling-this time it was the Philadelphia Phillies. Jamie had his bags packed and was headed to Spring Training when his new wife and high school sweetheart, Jerry (Taylor) Howell, came to the door with tears in her eyes. This is all Jamie needed to see. He unpacked his car, went inside, and never gave pro baseball another thought. He had a family to care for that loved him.
Mr. Howell channeled his energy into becoming a top-notch coach, school principal and administrator. As a coach, he held the following jobs: Ole Miss Freshman Basketball Coach; Holmes Junior College Men’s Basketball & Baseball Coach; Ashland Attendance Center School Principal, Boys & Girls Basketball and Baseball Coach; Magnolia Heights School, Headmaster, Boys & Girls Basketball and Baseball Coach.
In 1977, Mr. Howell left the education field to serve the State of Mississippi for four years as Motor Vehicle Comptroller in the administration of his childhood friend, Governor Cliff Finch. He was then tapped to serve as the Director of the Vocational Skills Training Program with the Batesville Job Corps Center. While at that job, he was able to resume his coaching career at Magnolia Heights School where his nationally ranked 1985 girls basketball squad won the MPSA AA and Overall (All Divisions) State Championship with a perfect 37-0 record.
In 2010, Mr. Howell was named to the Mississippi Community & Junior College Sports Hall of Fame in three sports for his accomplishments while at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Mr. Howell has also been honored to serve NWCC as a member of the Board of Trustees for the last 44 years.
Even with all these sports achievements, Jamie’s greatest pride and joy was his family-his wife, Jerry, who predeceased him, and his children Jamie W. “Jim” Howell, Jr. (Ann) of Memphis, TN and Susan H. Cascio (Chris) of Southaven, MS, his grandsons Ford Howell (Katie) of Memphis, Knox Cascio and Quinn Cascio of Southaven and his only granddaughter, Emma Howell of Nashville,
TN. Jamie loved attending all of his grandchildren’s events-sports or otherwise.
DORRIS NELL CRAWFORD
Dorris Nell Crawford passed away peacefully on May 29, 2024, at her home in Water Valley, Mississippi. She was 91. She was born in Fannin County, Georgia, on October 15, 1932, the daughter of Iona and Audie Hemphill. She was preceded in death by her husband, Brownlow Jackson Crawford. She is survived by her children, Len (Carol) of Blue Ridge, Georgia, Dr. Lorri C. Williamson, (Mike) of Water Valley, Mississippi, Darrell of New York, New York and her grandchildren, Joeli Link (Benji), Cory Williamson (Mckenzie), Emily Crawford, Caroline Siegrist (Taylor), Abby Slagler (Jack); her greatgrandchildren, Jackson and Sophie Siegrist; Wyatt, Weston, Wynn, and Whit Williamson, and Asher and Quinn Link; and her sister Joann Schonborn.
Dorris graduated from high school in Epworth, Georgia, as valedictorian of her class. She went to business school in Atlanta before beginning her career in accounting, first for the Tennessee Copper Company and then for Carothers Construction after the family moved to Mississippi. She was instrumental in the success of Crawford and Associates, working as accountant and administrator there for many years.
While she was more comfortable in a gown and robe, she could transform herself for a special occasion and look like a million dollars. She preached good manners to her grands and had a special affection for dogs and babies. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Water Valley. She lived out her faith in her concern for the needs of others and was actively involved with Save a Life and with the local food pantry.
Dorris loved family gatherings, especially at Christmas, and took great joy in putting up extensive decorations every year to the excitement of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She rang the bell and collected donations for the Salvation Army during the Christmas holidays. She loved Christmas as it was the birth of her Lord and Savior and she made sure her family knew the reason for this special time.
She and her husband Brownie donated the land for the Crawford Sports Complex in Water Valley. They helped to establish Reedy Acres, a satellite of the Mississippi Baptist Children’s Village where countless children have lived over the years. They were honored with the naming of one of the cottages, Crawford Cottage, where children from Mississippi still reside.
Together, Brownie and Dorris were the Grand Marshals of the Water Valley Christmas parade. They received the Braswell Hatcher award from the Water Valley Chamber of Commerce for their service to the community. To honor Brownie after his death, Dorris worked with the Water Valley Town & Country Garden Club to commission a classic landmark clock in his memory that stands on Main Street.
Dorris received the Luella Fair Community Service Award from the Water Valley Town & Country Garden Club for her support.
Dorris had a positive impact on the community around her in many ways, mostly done anonymously. Her strength, intelligence and independence were an inspiration. She was a constant source of advice and practical wisdom for her children and grandchildren, whether they wanted it or not. She will be deeply missed.
She gave generously through the Reedy Acres Foundation to The Brownlow (Brownie) Jackson Crawford Endowed Scholarship that was established at Northwest Mississippi Community College. She supported the college in many ways and has helped many students over the years.
DONALD M. CLANTON
Donald M. Clanton, 80, of Senatobia, MS passed away May 20, 2024. He was born on May 29, 1943, to John and Blanche Clanton. Don graduated from Independence High School in 1961 as Valedictorian of his class. He went on to attend Northwest Mississippi Community College from 1961 to 1963. After graduating from NWCC, he attended The University of Mississippi obtaining a Bachelor of Physical Education with a minor in history. He then received his Master of School Administration in 1971. Don worked as a teacher, coach, and assistant principal at Coldwater High School. During his time as coach, Coldwater won the Chickasaw Conference triple crown in basketball, football, and baseball, and were state champions
in baseball. Don always credited his talented players for making him look like a great coach. He continued his love for education by becoming a member of The North Mississippi Education Consortium.
Don was elected as superintendent of Tate County Schools and served from 1976-1987 and again from 1995-2000. He also served as mayor of Senatobia from 1989-1993 and two terms as alderman-atlarge from 2009-2017. Don was an active member of the Senatobia Optimist Club, and president of the local lodge of the Woodmen of the World. He was also a member of The Civitan Club where he played Santa for 35 years. Don was also a part of the Tate County Jail Ministry. He was member of First Baptist Church Senatobia and devoted his time at Senatobia Arms Apartments, Providence Care Community, and Senatobia Healthcare and Rehab. Don was a referee at basketball games for many years. He was also an avid quail hunter.
The Don Clanton Endowed Scholarship was established at Northwest Mississippi Community College by his wife, Shirley, along with many friends and family members. Don took great interest in helping students attend Northwest and promoting the college everywhere he went.
He is survived by his wife, Shirley Clanton; daughters, Annette Carson (Michael), Audra Henson (Terry), and Cindy Jones (Brian); sister, Barbara Franklin (Harrell); grandchildren, Brik Waldrop (Alyssa), Tyler Waldrop, Cody Carson (Georgie), Lauren Carlini (Domenick), Leeah King (Jacob), and Olivia Saunders (Hunter) and great grandchildren, Ellie Waldrop, Ridley Anne Carlini, and Adeline Carlini. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Blanche Clanton; sister, Johnnie Lynn Pope and brother, Jimmy Clanton.
SupertalkMS Visits Northwest
Story By Andrew Dale
In early August, Northwest Mississippi Community College played host to the popular SportstalkMS radio show, offering listeners an in-depth look at the college’s vibrant athletic programs. Broadcasting live from Bobby Franklin Field in Senatobia, inside the Multipurpose Building at Ranger Stadium, the show featured appearances by several of Northwest’s excellent athletic leaders.
Dr. Heindl, along with Football Coach Benjy Parker, Cheer Coach Brandon Casey, Dance Coach Patrice Christian, and Women’s Soccer Coach James Beattie, and a few students, joined hosts Michael Borkey and Brian Hadad to discuss the successes and future goals of their programs. The hosts were impressed by Northwest’s state-of-the-art facilities and the dedication of its athletic staff, praising the college as a hub for dynamic sports in Mississippi.
For those who missed the live event, highlights of the conversations are available on Northwest’s YouTube channel, showcasing the passion and vision behind these exceptional programs.
A CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON
Story By Andrew Dale
The 2024 Northwest Rangers delivered a memorable campaign, finishing 10-1 overall and capturing their 12th MACCC Championship, their third title in five seasons. Dominating the MACCC North Division with a perfect 6-0 record, the Rangers balanced thrilling moments with consistent excellence, proving themselves as one of the nation’s premier junior college programs.
The season was defined by resilience and dramatic victories. A stunning Hail Mary touchdown against Holmes kept Northwest’s championship hopes alive, while a hard-fought 33-31 playoff victory over Mississippi Gulf Coast showcased the team’s grit. The Rangers’ balanced attack, led by quarterback Zach Wilcke and running back D’mariun Perteet, was complemented by a defense that created game-changing moments, including standout performances from linebacker Caulen Dunn and defensive back Fredd Adams.
In the MACCC title game, the Rangers delivered a commanding 34-7 win against East Central. Perteet’s two rushing touchdowns and two defensive scores sealed Northwest’s 12th conference crown and capped off a season of dominance.
Adding to the team’s accolades, head coach Benjy Parker was named MACCC Coach of the Year, a testament to his leadership and the program’s sustained success. Now, Northwest awaits a possible NJCAA Division I Football Playoff berth, aiming to continue adding to its storied legacy and making 2024 a season to remember.
SportstalkMS hosts Michael Borkey (left) and Brian Haddad (right) discuss college athletics with Dr. Michael Heindl on the SupertalkFM live remote in August.
Photo by Carly Fox
Head Football Coach Benjy Parker and President Heindl pose with football and cheer members after claiming the MACCC and Region23 Football Championship over East Central.
Photo by Sarah Smith
Landmark Golf Season
The fall 2024 season was a landmark for Northwest Mississippi Community College golf, marking the return of men’s golf after a seven-year hiatus and the debut of the women’s program. The men’s team, led by sophomore William Linehan, Jr., demonstrated steady improvement throughout the season, highlighted by a 10th-place finish at the Jim Redgate Invitational with a score of +78. On the women’s side, freshman Kali Figueroa emerged as a standout, securing the program’s first individual title at the Jim Redgate Invitational and leading the Lady Rangers to a second-place team finish at the MACCC Fall Preview. Both teams have laid promising foundations as they look ahead to future success on the course.
Story By Andrew Dale
Volleyball’s Great Victories
Story By Andrew Dale
The 2024 Northwest volleyball season was a groundbreaking year, full of unforgettable moments and historic achievements. The Lady Rangers captured their first-ever MACCC Championship in front of the largest and most energetic crowd of the season at Howard Coliseum. With a 3-0 victory over Northeast, Northwest solidified its position as the top team in the conference.
The season was defined by exceptional performances from players like Rachel Stegall, Maddie Smith, Kaya Coleman, and Layla Dyer, who led the team with record-breaking achievements. Dyer set new program records in assists and digs, Coleman became the first player in team history to reach 100 blocks in a single season, and Stegall and Smith powered the offense with impressive kill totals. The team’s depth and determination shined throughout the year.
Finishing with a 25-9 overall record, the Lady Rangers not only achieved their third straight winning season but also earned back-to-back 20-win campaigns. Their success secured the No. 1 seed and hosting rights for the NJCAA Region 23 Tournament, a testament to their hard work and dominance.
The 2024 season wasn’t just about winning games—it was about making history and setting a new standard for Northwest volleyball. The Lady Rangers’ journey inspired fans and positioned the program for even greater achievements in the future.
Kali Figueroa (left) of Bakersfield, California, and William Linehan Jr.(right) of Olive Branch, Mississippi, were standout participants at the recent MACCC Fall Preview. Photos by Brian Oakley
Northwest Volleyball celebrate a point during match play. This is the first year that any team in Mississippi has been eligible to claim the MACCC Championship title, and the Rangers are the first to hold it.
Photo by Brian Oakley
Women’s Soccer Champs
The Northwest Lady Rangers have had an unforgettable 2024 season, finishing with a flawless 18-0 record and claiming both the MACCC and NJCAA Region 23 titles. Their dominant performance earned them the No. 1 overall seed in the NJCAA Division II Women’s Soccer Championship Tournament, as they aim for their first national title.
Led by standout freshman Emma Jensen, who tallied 19 goals and nine assists, and All-American goalkeeper Anna Kathryn Harrell, who allowed just eight goals all season, the Lady Rangers showcased a balanced attack and a rocksolid defense. Their 83 goals scored and eight shutouts highlight a team firing on all cylinders.
With victories over Copiah-Lincoln and Holmes securing their conference and regional crowns, Northwest is poised for a deep run at the national tournament in Huntsville, Ala. They open play on November 17 against Scottsdale (Ariz.), followed by St. Charles (Mo.) on November 19.
Northwest’s success reflects their depth, teamwork, and determination, as they strive to cap off a historic season with the ultimate prize. Go Lady Rangers!
Wade Martin (Volunteer Assistant Coach), James Beattie (Head Coach), Branden Boren (Assistant Coach), Sophie Roberts (Volunteer Assistant Coach), and Kaitlin Johnson (Volunteer Assistant Coach) celebrate a monumental achievement after capturing the Region 23 Championship.
Photo by Corey Hughes
Put a ring on it! Some of the women’s soccer team pose with their new hardware celebrating the win over Holmes to claim the NJCAA Region 23 Championship. Photo by Corey Hughes
Story By Andrew Dale
The Legacy of Memorial and Honorarium Gifts
The memorial and honorarium gifts listed were given between Feb. 16, 2024 and Oct. 15, 2024 in appreciation both to those who gave the gifts and to those who have lived extraordinary and inspirational lives. If you wish to make a memorial or honorarium gift, please contact the Foundation Office at 662-560-1105.
MEMORIALS
NORMA MARY AHLBERG
by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Brown
CLAYTON STEPHEN ARCHIBALD by Mr. N. C. Ferguson Jr.
LYNDA T. AUSTIN by Mrs. Linda Ogg
WILLIAM H. AUSTIN by Mr. William Abbay
Mr. Joseph Austin
Mr. William Austin III
Mr. Tommie Cardin
Mr. Steve Cummings
Ms. Dorothy France
Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Garner
Dr. and Mrs. Michael Heindl
Mr. Robert E. Leigh III
Mr. and Mrs. Sturgis Monteith
Mrs. Linda Ogg
Mr. Robert P. Sayle Jr.
Mr. Dan Smith
Mr. Nicholas Speltz
Travis Law Offices, PLLC
CHARLES BAKER by Mr. Steve Cummings
CAMERON BLOUNT
by Mr. and Mrs. Ellis Blount
Mrs. Kenda Blount
Dr. Don Jones
Mrs. Marla Y. Kennedy
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Selby
Mrs. Linda Webb
A. W. AND LANELLE BOUCHILLON by Mr. and Mrs. Barry Bouchillon
Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Davis
BARBARA BOUNDS by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Paul Wooten
MITZI BOYD
by Mr. and Mrs. Sturgis Monteith
BETTY BUNTIN by Ms. Sylvia Hickey
BRIDGET MICHELLE HOLLOWAY BURKS by Tate County Fair Association
MIKE CALLENDER by Ms. Sylvia Hickey
NATHAN CAMPBELL by Mr. and Mrs. Sturgis Monteith
HOWARD AND EDNA CARPENTER by Mr. and Mrs. Herman Coats
TOMMY CARPENTER by Mr. and Mrs. Herman Coats
BELA J. & RUBY BLACK CHAIN by Dr. and Mrs. Buddy Chain Jr.
DON CLANTON by Ms. Beverly Carroll
Mrs. Shirley Clanton
Don Clanton’s High School Class of 1961
Mr. Wayne Ferguson
Mr. and Mrs. Harrell Franklin
Mr. Kenneth Freeze
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Godbold
Ms. Patti Gordon
Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Heindl
Mr. Adam Linville
Mr. Robert T. McCormick
Mr. and Mrs. Walter McKellar
Reverend and Mrs. Clay Moore
Mrs. Jane Murphy
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Murphy
Mrs. Linda Ogg
Ms. Debbie Perkins
Mrs. Mary Carole Polk
Mr. Robert Rhoads
Dr. Patsy Sledge
Tate County Fair Association
Tate County Soil & Water Conservation District
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Williams
DANNY RAY COLE
by Mr. and Mrs. Dewayne Herrington
Mrs. Linda Webb
JOE COSBY by Ms. Shirley Bennett
VIRGINIA COX by Mr. and Mrs. John Ungurait
DORRIS CRAWFORD by Mr. Steve Cummings
Ms. Patti Gordon
Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Heindl
Ms. Debbie Perkins
ALAN CROCKETT by Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Nickens
Mr. Robin Robison
JOHN CROW by Mr. Steve Cummings
MARY DEAN CUMMINGS by Mr. Steve Cummings
Ms. Reta Doughty
Ms. Patti Gordon
Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Heindl
Ms. Sylvia Hickey
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Hitt
Ms. Elyse Russell
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Sinquefield
Ms. Pequita Tadlock
Mr. and Mrs. James Venable III
GALE P. CUSHMAN by Ms. Debbie Perkins
REBECCA DARBY by Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Paul Wooten
FRANCES MARIE DEAN by Mr. and Mrs. William Fite
LARRY E. DHORITY by Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell Dhority
Mrs. Patricia Dhority
RUBY DORSETT by Mr. Steve Cummings
ANTHONY FARESE by Mr. and Mrs. Scott Thomas
CHARLES "CHUCK" MURRAY FAULKNER, JR. by Mr. N. C. Ferguson Jr.
JOHN FULLER by Ms. Sylvia Hickey
JESSICA GRESHAM by Ms. Linda S. Laine
MARY HARDIN by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Brown
DAVID HARGETT by Mrs. Carol Hargett
FRANK GIDIEON HART by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Brown
FRED HEINDL by Dr. Darrell Barnes
Mr. and Mrs. Sturgis Monteith
WENDY HENTZ by Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Paulk
LIBBY HICKEY by Ms. Sylvia Hickey
WALTER HICKEY by Mr. Steve Cummings
JAMIE HOWELL SR. by Judge and Mrs. George Carlson
Mr. and Mrs. Ben Daniel
Ms. Patti Gordon
Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Heindl
Mr. and Mrs. Sturgis Monteith
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Rather Jr.
Dr. Patsy Sledge
BASIL ALLEN HUMPHREY by Tate County Fair Association
ROBERT A. HYDE by Ms. Effie J. Boothe
Mr. Terry Foster
JORDAN A. JARJOURA by Mr. Clayton Griffin
CHARLOTTE JOHNSTON by Mr. Marcus Perkins
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Steinman
JASON JONES by Ms. Alyssa Algee
Ms. LeeLee Haraway
JOHN PATRICK KELLY, JR. by Mr. N. C. Ferguson Jr.
KATHRYN ANNE KREUNEN by Mr. and Mrs. Kim Kreunen
MARCINE LANIER by Ms. Sylvia Hickey
DONALD LEDFORD by Ms. Sylvia Hickey
DAVID LEWIS SMITH by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Brown
Ms. Pamela Hall
JACK LEWIS WILKS by Mr. N. C. Ferguson Jr.
ROBERT LEE LONG, JR. by Mr. and Mrs. Sturgis Monteith
BARBRA W. MANNING by Ms. Catherine Cashion, Jr.
GAYE MARTIN WALKER by Mr. Steve Cummings
PENNIE MCKINNEY by Ms. Mary P. Chandler
Ms. Euphiazene Gray
JACK MCMILLEN by Tate County Fair Association
CHIEF BILL MOORE by Mrs. Becky Moore
CLEN MOORE by Reverend Leona Harris
MARY ALICE MOORMAN by Mr. John David Randall
LEONARD MORRIS by Mrs. Lillian Morris-Hilson
J. K. AND NORMA MOTE by Mr. and Mrs. John Horn
CAMILLA NEWBILL by Ms. Sylvia Hickey
W. C. “BILL” OAKLEY by Mr. and Mrs. Mark Griffin
Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Steward
CLIFFORD A. OLSON JR. by Mr. Perrin Caldwell Jr.
W.P. PERKINS by Mrs. Frances C. Perkins
VICKI PHILLIPS by Ms. Melissa Evans
ZANA PHILLIPS by Mr. N. C. Ferguson Jr.
SCOTT POTTS by Mrs. Marla Y. Kennedy
DON PRITCHARD by Ms. Debbie Perkins
ROWAN CHASSANIOL QUAVE by Mr. Steve Cummings
TOMMY REYNOLDS, SR. by Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Brown
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Paul Wooten
RICKY RONALD RICHARDSON by Mr. N. C. Ferguson Jr.
SCOTT RICHEY by Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Paulk
DORIAN ROGERS‑HEINDL by Dr. Darrell Barnes
Mr. Steve Cummings
DANNY ROUSSE by Mr. and Mrs. Sturgis Monteith
WALTER AND WANDA F. RUBY by Mr. and Mrs. Gary Brown
Ms. Pamela Hall
Mr. Walter Ruby
ROBERT SANDERS by Mr. and Mrs. Paul Brown
ROSE BARBARA SCHWAHN POWELL by Mr. N. C. Ferguson Jr.
SHELLEY SELTZER by Mr. and Mrs. Steve Williams
CHARLES SHOAF III by Mr. N. C. Ferguson Jr.
TIM SHORTER by Mrs. Lisa Barber
Ms. Kathy Buchanan
Mr. Matthew Johnson
JAMES SAMUEL SMITH by Mr. Perrin Caldwell Jr.
THOMAS SMITH by Mrs. Sandra Holleman
DREW STAFFORD by Ms. Debbie Perkins
IRA AND ANNETTE STROUPE by Mr. and Mrs. Dale Davis
Mr. Robert I. Stroupe Jr.
JAMES L. (TREY) SYLVESTER by Dr. Darrell Barnes
AMY DEMPSEY TIDWELL
by Mrs. Frankie Berryhill
Mrs. Susan M. Dempsey
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Williams
GLENN TRIPLETT
by Mr. and Mrs. Marty Allison
Mr. Jeff Triplett
REBECCA TRIPLETT
by Mr. and Mrs. James Allison
Mr. and Mrs. Herman Coats
Mrs. Marie G. Coleman
Mr. Peter Dilatush
Mr. and Mrs. Keith Godbold
Dr. and Mrs. Michael J. Heindl
Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Kidder
Mr. Robert T. McCormick
Ms. Debbie Perkins
Mr. John A. Ramsey
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Rogers
Dr. Patsy Sledge
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Williams
Mr. Michael Zech
COACH BOB TYLER by Mr. Steve Cummings
FRANCES HAZEL WALDRIP by Mr. Perrin Caldwell Jr.
W. L. & LULA BROOKS WALLACE by Mr. and Mrs. Harry Starnes
DOVIE ANDERSON WATTS by Mr. Perrin Caldwell Jr.
JUDY WEEKS by Mrs. Linda Webb
GARNETT B. WEST by Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie Young
PATSY WILBORN by Mr. and Mrs. Dale Davis
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Gill
Mr. Robert I. Stroupe Jr.
CALVIN GROVER YOUNGBLOOD by Dr. Ruth Williams-Hooker
Mrs. Peggy Youngblood
HONORARIUMS
RICHIE E. LAWSON by Christ United Methodist Church
JEAN MOORE by Reverend Leona Harris
JEAN STEADHAM by Mrs. Judith Hartsell
DALE TYLER by Mr. Steve Cummings
